Bilkent Tourism students prove their dedication to the field of tourism by forming Young SKÅL Group of Ankara (YSGA), a branch of SKÅL International. Students will receive the charter for their group on Monday, April 2 at Bilkent Hotel and Conference Center. Alfonso Passera, the President of SKÅL International will present the charter to Selin Ýstanbullu (THM/III), President of YSGA.
The first SKÅL was established by French tourism professionals in Paris in 1932, upon experiencing the hospitality of Scandinavian people during a visit to Scandinavia. Being the first and oldest international tourism organization in the world, SKÅL stands for good health, friendship, long-life and happiness. Today, over 800 branches of SKÅL exist in more than 80 countries in the world. The need to train future tourism professionals for SKÅL initiated the idea of a "Young SKÅL Group". The first group was formed in Ýstanbul on November 25, 1999. The recently formed Bilkent group is the third one in Turkey and the 18th in the world.
"Tourism is the only industry in the world that depends on peace for its existence," says Teoman Alemdar, Chair of THM. By forming YSGA, Tourism students aim to share the philosophy of SKÅL with their friends while contributing to tourism activities in the world and representing their country in annual international SKÅL meetings.
